How is it diagnosed???
2007-10-09 13:06:16 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
The mitral valve divides the left atrium from the left ventricle. It opens to allow the left ventricle to fill and then is closed by back-pressure when the ventricle contracts, so the blood is pushed out into the body and there is no back-flow.
If the valve is stenosed (opening narrowed), then filling of the ventricle may be adversely affected and back-pressure from an overfilled atrium can dilate the atrium, and increase pressure in the pulmonary veins, causing excess fluid in the lungs. Eventually the amount of blood being delivered to the body can be reduced, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.
It is diagnosed by an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) and monitored by serial echo tests and cardiac catheterizations to actually measure pressure differences across the valve and the area of the valve opening.
Current recommendations are for valve replacement surgery to be done prior to the onset of significant anatomic changes in the heart chambers or function.
2007-10-09 13:13:11 · answer #1 · answered by Howard H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mitral valve stenosis — or mitral stenosis — is a condition in which the heart's mitral valve is narrowed. This narrowing blocks the valve from opening properly and obstructs blood flow between the left chambers of your heart.
When the mitral valve is narrowed (stenotic), blood can't efficiently move through your heart and from your heart to the rest of your body. Mitral valve stenosis can leave you fatigued and short of breath, among other problems.
The main cause of mitral valve stenosis is a childhood infection called rheumatic fever, which is related to strep infections. Rheumatic fever that can scar the mitral valve.
Mitral valve stenosis is treatable. Just stay active. Exercise and balance Diet is very important.
For the diagnosis, Echocardiogram ,Electrocardiogram and chest X- ray will help physicians.
Take care always.
2007-10-09 13:35:42 · answer #2 · answered by skye danielle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.It could be dangerous depending on the severity of the condition. Your Dr. would hear a heart problem when he checks you heart. It could be mild and cause fatigue and shortness of breath.
It is diagnosed with an E.K.G. and/or an echo-cardiogram and possibly a chest xray. Most people that have this had some type of strep infection sometime in their life that attacked the heart valves.
2007-10-09 13:17:04 · answer #3 · answered by impurrfect10 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. It can be heard through a stethoscope. A likely effect would be reduced ability to conduct energetic activity.
2007-10-09 13:10:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes see a doctor
2007-10-09 13:09:12 · answer #5 · answered by rebshel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋